Come On In, America: The United States in World War I by Linda Barrett Osborne

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Title: Come On In, America: The United States in World War I
Author: Linda Barrett Osborne
Genre: Middle Grades Non Fiction, Military History
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Date: March 14, 2017
Length: 176 pages

Free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and joined World War I. German submarine attacks on American ships in March 1917 were the overt motive for declaring war, but the underlying reasons were far more complex. Even after the United States officially joined, Americans were divided on whether they should be a part of it. Americans were told they were fighting a war for democracy, but with racial segregation rampant in the United States, new laws against dissent and espionage being passed, and bankers and industrial leaders gaining increased influence and power, what did democracy mean? Come On In, America explores not only how and why the UnitedStates joined World War I, but also the events—at home and overseas—that changed the course of American history.

Description from Goodreads

This book was great! Where was it in 2014 when all of my students were writing about WW1 because of the centenary? It's absolutely perfect for a school library, and a good pick for budding history buffs.

What I liked

Covers different aspects of the war: Barrett Osborne provides information regarding the front lines, the home front, the roles of women and African Americans, weapons used, whether or not the US was actually neutral, and much more. Information on propaganda was mixed throughout the book. I really like that it covers violations of civil rights and the impact of the Espionage and Sedition Acts. It's a fairly detailed overview of the war for a 176 page book.

Good attempt at showing the viewpoints of the different sides involved: By presenting the point of view of other countries, Barrett Osborne gives a balanced and well rounded history lesson for middle school readers.

African Americans and Women: While there is only one chapter for each of the these topics, they are not ignored through the rest of the book. It's always been difficult to find quality age appropriate material on African Americans and women's life/rights/roles during this time period.

Pictures & propaganda posters: While I wish that there were more propaganda posters included, this book does use some great images that help readers connect with the time period.

Rating: 5

This isn't a book that most families or kids will pick up for leisure reading, but it is an excellent book for libraries or teachers to pick up to support their curriculum. Middle Schoolers interested in military history, or this topic in general, will find this a great selection. I also recommend that any homeschooling family covering WW1get this book up from their local library. This is a great resource and tries to give a well rounded view of events and points of view in under 200 pages.

2 comments 5.0, History, Linda Barrett Osborne, Middle Grades books, Middle Grades Non Fiction, Non Fiction, Review, Young Adult

The Pullman Porter by Vanita Oelschlager

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Title: The Pullman Porter
Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Mike Blanc
Genre: African American History, Non Fiction, Picture Book, Children's Book
Publisher: Vanita Books
Date: February 2014
Length: 44 pages

This book was free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Children and adults under the age of 40 are forgetting about the Pullman Porter. They were very important figures in the history of American. This book will teach children and adults, who the porters were and why they were so important in our history. Porters worked in early train cars, they would look, listen and learn from their predominantly white passengers. They would read the newspapers passengers left behind, listen to conversations and begin to talk to one another. The porter learned how important education was for children and how important it was to take this message home to his children. He eventually landed at the forefront of the civil rights movement.

Description from Goodreads

I was so excited about THE PULLMAN PORTER, an important history lesson plus the always popular topic of trains! This sounded like a perfect pick for an elementary library. Unfortunately the book didn't reach it's full potential.

What I liked

Important subject matter: George Pullman hired ex-slaves to work in his train cars. This was a chance for these men to earn a salary, travel the country, and gain some education to better serve their passengers. Pullman Porters became respected members of their community and were the beginning of the African American middle class. While some might have seen their jobs as a type of adventure, "in reality (they) were degrading and difficult." Over the years these men formed a union, lobbied for better wages and treatment, worked with President Roosevelt, and fostering the Civil Rights movement. The Pullman Porters were so influential in their communities and in US history, but typically overlooked in the school curriculum. In fact this is the only book on the topic that I could find for elementary students.

The extras: Oelschlager included quotes from other books and resources for further reading at the end of the book.

What I'm on the fence about

The book is confused about its audience: I am left with the strong impression that this book doesn't know who its audience is supposed to be. Generally the book's softened tone seems more appropriate for 6-8 year olds, but would sometimes use details and quotes from other books better suited to 8-10 year olds. Of course any parent or teacher reading this book to younger children can alter the text to be more appropriate for younger kids or add details for older ones. I feel with some more detail and a firm idea on who the audience was, this could have been an excellent nonfiction picture book.

Illustrations: Looking at the cover of The Pullman Porter I expected lovely, detailed, and colorful illustrations, and sometimes I got them. I assume Blanc was leaving the backgrounds (extremely) simple so that the focus would be on the more detailed people and action in the foreground. But sometimes even the people were a bit blurry and lacking. Some pages were wonderful and others felt rushed. The book is very colorful and the warmer yellow tones kind of give the illustrations a golden edge of nostalgia.

Rating: 2.5

My recommendation might seem as confused as this book. I'm rating it 2.5 as it had a several weaknesses. HOWEVER, it is a good introduction to the topic of the Pullman Porters, it would make a refreshing addition to Black History month, or American history in general (I really hate the implication that it can only be used once a year). If I were still working in an elementary school library I would include this in my nonfiction / history train unit for 2nd graders. And there's the rub, normally I would not order a 2.5 book for my library. BUT this is a good conversation starter, and used the right way THE PULLMAN PORTERS could be a great tool for parents and teachers.

Have you read any Pullman Porter books that would be a good fit for elementary age students?

Leave a Comment #DiverseReads, 2.5, Children's Books, History, Non Fiction, Review, Vanita Oelschlager

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin

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Title: Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team

Author: Steve Sheinkin

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Date: January 17, 2017

Length: 288 pages

Genre: Non Fiction, Sports

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jim Thorpe: Super athlete, Olympic gold medalist, Native American
Pop Warner: Indomitable coach, football mastermind, Ivy League grad 

Before these men became legends, they met in 1907 at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where they forged one of the winningest teams in American football history. Called "the team that invented football," they took on the best opponents of their day, defeating much more privileged schools such as Harvard and the Army in a series of breathtakingly close calls, genius plays, and bone-crushing hard work. 

This is an astonishing underdog sports story—and more. It’s an unflinching look at the U.S. government’s violent persecution of Native Americans and the school that was designed to erase Indian cultures. Expertly told by nonfiction powerhouse author Steve Sheinkin, it’s the story of a group of young men who came together at that school, the overwhelming obstacles they faced both on and off the field, and their absolute refusal to accept defeat.

Description from NetGalley

I am not a football fan, but this underdog story sucked me in with its mix of great sports writing, painful history, and the indomitable spirit of the Carlisle Indian School players. The game sequences were well written and the history and social issues facing the students (and all Native Americans) were clearly explained. With humor thrown in at appropriate times, Sheinkin has written an engaging story that will appeal to readers who enjoy sports, history, or non fiction books in general. This is also a great option for reluctant readers if you can get them past the intimidating page length.

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Leave a Comment 5.0, Biographies, History, Middle Grades books, Middle Grades Non Fiction, Non Fiction, Review, Sports, Steve Sheinkin